Pro wrestling has fans all over the world. Millions grew up watching their favorite wrestlers battle it out in the square ring.
WWE, in particular, has had a lasting impact on popular culture. It is the most successful franchise in sports entertainment over several decades. Its popularity is evident even in the video game world.
There is a wide variety of wrestling video games for players to choose from. Below are some of the best of the past decade.
Note: This article is subjective and reflects the opinion of the writer only
WWE 2K19, WWE 2K Battlegrounds and 3 other great wrestling video games in the past decade
1) WWE 2K14
WWE 2K14, released in 2013 by 2K Sports, is the first game in the 2K series of WWE games.
THQ has been the publisher of the WWE games since its inception in 1999. However, after filing for bankruptcy in 2013, Take-Two Interactive was licensed.
With The Rock as its cover star, WWE 2K14 is considered one of the greatest WWE games of all time.
2K refined elements from previous games to create a more engaging experience. The gameplay mechanics and animations have been improved to give the game a more realistic feel while keeping it entertaining.
Improvements have been made to the menu navigation system and ‘Create a Superstar’ mode, allowing for more customization options. The game also featured multiple storyline options such as 30 Years of WrestleMania and The Streak.
In addition, the WWE universe returned, with more in-depth customization options than any of its predecessors.
Platforms: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Windows
Fashion model: Paid
2) WWE 2K19
The latest WWE video games in the modern generation of consoles have left a lot to be desired. WWE 2K19 was the last game in the franchise to be fondly remembered before turning into a mess full of glitches and poorly executed ideas.
With AJ Styles on the cover, WWE 2K19 would be the latest game in a long line of WWE video games developed by Yuke’s, with Visual Concepts taking over in 2019. Instead of the simulation-based approach of its predecessors, the game focused on faster and more arcade-like gameplay.
WWE 2K19 also featured multiple new game modes, such as 2K Showcase, which depicted the career and journey of a fan favorite Daniel Bryan. Two new tower modes were also introduced, where players fight a series of wrestlers in a gauntlet with additional provisions.
Additionally, The Road to Glory mode has been improved, with eight factions available for players to join.
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Windows
Fashion model: Paid
3) WWE 2K battlefields
WWE 2K Battlegrounds, released in 2020 by 2K Sports, is a unique take on the wrestling game genre. It is very similar to WWE All Stars, which was released in 2011.
What makes the two games similar is the similarity in gameplay. Both rely on a more arcade-style fighting experience, with unrealistic over-the-top moves and animations, as well as cartoonish player models.
However, WWE 2K Battlegrounds has improved graphics and co-op game modes. The game was released as a filler title to make up for the absence of WWE 2K21, which was canceled.
Despite criticism for its abundance of microtransactions, the game received praise from critics and fans alike for its art style and refreshing gameplay.
WWE 2K Battlegrounds featured several lesser-known legends from the wrestling world, such as Doink the Clown, Earthquake, and Typhoon.
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Windows, Nintendo Switch, Stadia
Fashion model: Paid
4) Action Arcade Wrestling
Action Arcade Wrestling (AAW) is the first game on this list that is not affiliated with WWE.
Released in 2019, it was a welcome change from the modern generation of wrestling games, as it brought the genre back to its old-school roots.
The art style and gameplay in AAW is fashioned after the classic wrestling games of the 90s. It featured a host of original wrestlers with unique abilities, as well as a customization pack that allowed players to create their own wrestlers and arenas.
The game’s appeal lies in its retro feel and supernatural approach to combat. It’s commendable that VICO Game Studio tried to offer something different in a genre dominated by WWE.
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Windows
Fashion model: Paid
5) Wrestling Revolution 3D
Wrestling Revolution 3D, developed by Mdickie, may visually seem like an extremely dated game from the 90s. However, the features it offers are ahead of its time.
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The game allows players to play as wrestlers as well as management running the show behind the scenes. Players can make matches and organize shows, taking control of every aspect involved in managing a promotion.
The mechanics and animations, while archaic and old-fashioned, give players a lot of freedom to get creative with their movesets.
Overall, Wrestling Revolution 3D is one of the most fun and innovative games in the genre.
Platforms: Android, iOS, Windows, Nintendo Switch, Mac OS
Fashion model: Free
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